The Indian bowlers ran absolute riot with the ball on the second day of the Sydney Test as they bundled out Australia for 181, securing a 4-run lead in the first innings. Starting the second day of the contest at 9/1, the Indian captain struck early, removing Marnus Labuschagne (2).

Despite Sam Konstas (23) and Steve Smith (33) putting up a show of resistance, Mohammed Siraj rattled through, pushing India forward again with the all-important wicket of the former. As the adage goes ‘one brings two’, Siraj’s early removal of Konstas brought forth Travis Head’s wicket (4) as well, and the Aussie southpaw stepped right into the trap.

It was Beau Webster (57) who spearheaded the Aussie comeback with some support from Alex Carey (21). Prasidh Krishna rose upto the occasion to help India drive forward while Bumrah walked off the field for scans to monitor back spasms.

Krishna got rid of Alex Carey while Nitish Kumar’s double whammy in quick succession got rid of Pat Cummins (10) and Mitchell Starc (1). Krishna returned into the attack again and finally produced the mishit from Beau Webster while Siraj got through Scott Boland.

Siraj and Krishna plundered six wickets between them while Bumrah and Reddy’s brace saw Australia being bundled out for 181. With a lead of four runs and some serious momentum, India stepped out in the yard for the second innings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) looked good for his stay as he was relentless against the pace mafia of Australia but he failed to capitalize on his overture as Scott Boland broke through. KL Rahul (13) and Virat Kohli (6) couldn’t come in handy either as India were reduced to 59/3.

However, an incoming Rishabh Pant changed the dynamics as he went firing on all cylinders. A 33-ball-61 saw the southpaw rewriting the equation of the game and propelling India onto the front foot for a while. However, once Pant fell to Pat Cummins, India lost another in the form of Nitish Kumar Reddy (4) to finish the day at 141/6, securing a lead of 145 runs.

Brief Scores:

India – 185 (Rishabh Pant – 40, Scott Boland – 4/31)

Australia – 181 (Beau Webster – 57, Prasidh Krishna – 3/42)

India – 141/6 (Rishabh Pant – 61, Scott Boland – 4/42)